Midwifery (also known as obstetrics) is the health science and the health profession that deals with pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period (including care of the newborn), besides sexual and reproductive health of women throughout their lives. In many countries, midwifery is a medical profession (special for its independent and direct specialized education, should not be confused with a medical specialty which depends on a previous general training). A professional in midwifery is known as a midwife.